OUR COMPANY
WHO IS 89 NORTH?
We’re bringing optical engineering know-how from the world’s greatest science labs, and putting it to use in pioneering ways across a wide range of industries.
Science
Fluorescence has facilitated the advance of human-kind’s understanding of the cellular world, developing a host of new tools and techniques which allow us to understand our world at a microscopic level, both at its surface and deep within it.
We, in combination with our parent company Chroma and the multiple European specialist firms we represent, have pioneered many of these tools, which is why we’ve become pre-eminent suppliers and active consultants to the world’s leading research institutions.Â
Innovation
We’re now bringing these same transformational tools, techniques, and know-how to a diverse new set of industrial applications, from medical devices to semiconductors to the automotive industry.
We are applying optical engineering technologies, proven in elite research settings worldwide, to traditional industries. Â We are transforming the ability of companies to measure, analyze and refine their products with light.
Future
We’re building unique and innovative OEM manufacturing solutions today that will transform a host of industries tomorrow…. and we’re just getting started.
We believe we can help you too. Let’s talk.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Pioneering engineering can’t happen without talented people. And talented people work best when they’re supported by a culture that actively nurtures them. That’s why we work so hard on this aspect of our company. We’re honored that our efforts have been validated by earning B Corporation status, and by winning multiple “Best Places to Work” awards. Won’t you consider working with us?
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Meet Some of our Leaders
We have a unique culture at 89 North that deeply values employee inputs and initiatives. That takes a special kind of leadership team, one that’s well versed in not only optical system engineering and applications, but in promoting employee-engaged growth. Collaboration across our organization is key to our success.
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Scott Gibbs
Operations Manager
Scott is our Operations Manager, and he keeps things ticking flawlessly by putting to good use his 30+ years engineering, production, and management experience working with IBM / Global Foundries. Outside of work, Scott enjoys playing golf, spending time on Lake Champlain, and spending quality time with his three grown children. -
Janette Bombardier
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer
Janette's one part leader, one part force of nature. Formerly an IBMer, she leads our engineering, technical, and manufacturing operations. How talented is she? Well, she was named Vermont Engineer of the Year in 2019. Responsibility finds her wherever she goes. Â She serves on the Executive Board of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Committee of the VT State Workforce Investment Board, and is a Trustee of the VT State College System. To relax, she loves gardening, running, and being on the lake.
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Newell Lessell
Chief Executive Officer, Chroma
Newell has over 25 years of experience in management and management consulting in a diverse range of industries from automotive to food products. He has overall responsibility for the business and ensuring that we meet our business objectives while holding true to our social values. A former professional mechanic, Newell loves to see things running smoothly. When not working Newell enjoys hiking, biking, and struggling to master classical guitar.
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PATTY SHIRK
Program Manager
Patty has recently joined us, bringing 25 years of industry experience in engineering, operations, project management and leadership in the semiconductor industry. She's also a great community booster, serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross (Northern New England Region), speaking regularly at Society of Women Engineers regional and national conferences, and providing mentoring support for a host of STEM professionals.
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Meet some of our engineers
Our engineering team has won industry recognition for their award-winning work. Steeped in the field of fluorescence microscopy, our engineers are increasingly deploying their skills across an ever wider field of use cases that range from high content imaging systems to industrial inspection equipment.
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MARK LAPLANTE
SENIOR STAFF ENGINEER
Mark is a principle Mechanical Product Design Engineer with over 35 years experience in the equipment/product design and development field (he holds over 50 U.S. and foreign patents). Outside of work, Mark's an avid distance cyclist, owns and repairs pinball machines, and loves to spend warm sunny days on the lake with his wife.
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RYAN SAUER
OPTICAL ENGINEER
Ryan is a talented Optical Engineer who drives the design, modeling, and prototyping of our optical systems. These optical systems will go on to be key components for upcoming products or may be used for internal tests. When not at work, Ryan loves getting out into nature, spending much of his time hiking and taking photos. Ryan is also a film fanatic, and stays up to date on all the latest films.
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SAM STATS
PRODUCT ENGINEER
Sam is a jack-of-all trades Engineer. He manages all parts of our LDI product line life cycle, from design, calibration, and production to quality testing and customer support. He's also a core member of our product development team. Outside of work, Sam enjoys being outdoors, cooking, woodworking, and spending time with friends and family.
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EVAN OLSON
Mechanical Engineer
Evan puts his 10 years of product development experience to work for us in supervising the mechanical aspects of product design, validation and engineering. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and lacing up his skates to play hockey.
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Meet some of our technicians
Our technicians ensure quality control across all of our electro-opto-mechanical products and solutions. We measure tolerances in the nanometers microns in order to ensure we meet and exceed our build quality and delivery commitments and our dedicated technicians are the bedrock of our commitment to quality.
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TONY COTE
MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN
In addition to building product, Tony provides a vital link in the transition from design to production, informing design aspects as they relate to manufacturability and developing assembly processes. When not in the office, he can be found cooking up a mean BBQ, working in his yard, and playing music with friends.
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GERRY BISSONNETTE
MANUFACTURING & MATERIALS COORDINATOR
Gerry is the man behind our Purchasing department and manages all manufacturing inventory. In addition to his organizational and operational expertise, Gerry is an avid mountain biker and a die-hard Red Sox fan.
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Sam Staab
Assembly Technician
Sam builds and tests our laser product line offerings. He's an upbeat and friendly presence who is a key part of our company's chemistry.
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Benjamin Delibac
Engineering Technician
Ben is a biotech industry veteran who supports our quality control and R&D efforts. He loves snowboarding, hockey and nature.
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Meet some of our sales team
Our sales team works with a diverse customer base that includes the world’s most advanced university scientists, medical equipment manufacturers, and even automakers. They have the skills to understand our clients' most complex needs and provide solutions that best fit the situation.
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Melissa Glidewell
Territory Manager
Melissa is working with our clients, leveraging her many years experience in microscopy learned while at Applied Scientific Instrumentation. She's now helping a wide range of our end users, including OEMs, distributors, and resellers to reach their potential using our varied products and services.
Melissa's passions include spending time with family, biking, gardening, reading sci-fi, and watching rocket launches. She's always on the lookout for the perfect LEDs for camping.
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ANDREA MESSER
OFFICE MANAGER & INSIDE SALES
Andrea is the backbone of 89 North and has a hand in all areas of the operational side of the business: shipping, receiving, office management, customer service and product support. Chances are, if you call 89 North, Andrea's voice may be the voice greeting you. Outside of the office, Andrea is a Renaissance woman, referring to herself as a "little bit country, a little bit rock and roll."
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Annie Thomas
Order Management Associate
Annie facilitates sales orders, processes shipments, and is always ready to dive into any project to keep things running smoothly for our customers. When not in the office, Annie enjoys camping, riding her bike, hiking with her dog, and spending time with family. She is steadily achieving her dream of tending a menagerie of farm animals and hopes to be a pumpkin farmer. One of her goals: winning the 89 North chili cookoff!
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CHRIS ANDERSON
TERRITORY MANAGER
Chris, an Electrical Engineer, manages sales with distributors, direct sales within the eastern US, and expertly troubleshoots technical assistance with difficult applications. A father of two, Chris enjoys science fiction and has strong opinions about why chunky peanut butter is better than creamy.
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OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Our vision
Enable and promote innovation to create a healthier, more capable world.
OUR Mission
The objective is to be a world class supplier of high performing, high quality products. We strive to enrich the inquisitive nature of all who work with and for 89 North to contribute to the arc of technology.Â
OUR VALUES
Commitment to excellenceÂ
Trust and respect in all relationships
Care for our communities
Social partnership
We partner with organizations who align with our commitment to social responsibility.
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Efficiency Vermont
Vermont Environmental Consortium
ASK AN ENGINEER
Our experts can help you build a custom solution.    Â
LET'S GET STARTED
We can walk you through our process and provide an estimate.
News & Events
89 North Welcomes Evan Olson, Mechanical Engineer!
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89 North, Chroma Technology, and Crest Optics Team Up to Launch Spinning Disk Confocal Packages
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89 North Welcomes Adam Lynch as an Electrical Engineer!
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